Interview with Lisa Whiteside

Get closer to boxing professionals in our interview series and take on advice for your own training and goals.

At the Boxfit Blog we’ve been lucky enough to interview World Silver Medallist and GB Boxing star Lisa Whiteside, an ambassador for our #togetherwebox equality campaign.

Here, Lisa discusses her journey with the sport and how she maintains her fitness levels after competing.

Profile

• Name: Lisa Whiteside
• Age: 30
• Location: Preston
• Years boxing: 9
• Best career moment: Becoming world silver medallist

Tell us how you got into the sport and your journey from a beginner to fighting competitively.

I used to train doing Thai boxing but never competed due to work commitments. As I worked shifts I stopped training but always regretted it and so many of my family and friends encouraged me to go back into combat sports as they said I was strong and talented.

I therefore Googled female boxers in my area and found a gym where another female boxer was training I walked into that gym 9 years ago and never looked back.

I actually lost my first fight but instead of letting defeat get to me it gave me even more determination and by sticking to it I am now a full time GB boxer having had over 120 bouts and won some major international medals.

What kind of training do you do on a weekly basis?

So, due to being a full time GB boxer I actually train away from home Monday to Thursdays. Monday morning I will do a run set out by our S&C coach before travelling to Sheffield to the Institute of Sport where the GB Boxing facilities are based.

Each day we do a run in the morning followed by a mid morning session consisting of a technical shadow boxing session before going to S&C for a weights session. In the afternoon we normally do some sparring followed by pads or bags, and a circuit to finish.

I train Monday to Thursday with GB then return home and train at my own club on a Friday, resting at the weekend as recovery is key.

What inspires you to get into the ring and do you have a pre-fight routine?

I would have to say that feeling when the referee lifts your hand to confirm you’ve won inspires me to get into that ring, knowing that all the hard work and dedication has made it all worth it.

My routine starts one hour before where I get my hands wrapped by the Physio, I then begin my warm up routine starting with skipping. Thirty minutes prior to the bout I will take an energy gel and then the warm up exercises and pads begin.

I have a set routine which gives me structure and keeps me calm and collected.

How/what do you eat pre and post-competition to maintain your fitness level?

Morning of the fight I weigh in and then straight away have an electrolyte drink, for breakfast usually porridge and then depending on what time I box, approximately two hours prior I will get something light to eat.

Thirty minutes before my bout I will have an energy gel and then after the bout it is key to get a recovery shake intake to refuel and recover the body for the next bout, which could be the next day.

How do you prepare yourself for the highs of winning and the lows of defeat?

The key is to learn from each bout win or lose, and take the positives from your performance.

I believe getting into that ring is an achievement in itself. Obviously it hurts to lose a contest but I believe it makes you a stronger person and will only make you train harder and want that win the next time.

What have you learnt from boxing that you apply to other areas of your life?

Self discipline is a huge factor, one of the hardest parts of boxing is the weight making aspect especially when there are currently only three Olympic categories at the moment. I used to box at 57kg but had to come down to 51kg to make the GB team. Therefore I have learnt strict self discipline regarding my diet and food intake. I believe it gives you great structure and routine which moves from the boxing environment into your personal life..

What’s your best piece of advice for anyone starting out in boxing, either for fitness or competitively?

Enjoyment is the key. Boxing is a great sport competitively but also excellent for fitness and the main thing is to enjoy it. I walked into a gym nine years ago and was welcomed with open arms and never looked back. To pursue it competitively fitness is a key factor and you need to make sure you get your road runs in; the more you put in the more you will gain.

You can learn more about Lisa and follow her on Twitter with the handle @LisaWhiteside.